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Harrisburg's Pucetas tweaks knee but "should be fine"

Right-hander Kevin Pucetas was moving swiftly through his seventh start of the season Thursday before an injury forced him to leave Double-A Harrisburg's contest against Bowie.

Pucetas retired the first seven hitters he faced, striking out four, walking none and not allowing a hit or run in 2 1/3 innings.

He faced seven batters and threw 31 pitches, 21 for strikes. Harrisburg eventually won the game 8-6. The Senators led 1-0 when Pucetas departed.

It was unfortunate that Pucetas had to leave early because he was off to great start after back-to-back games where he had allowed six earned runs in each outing.

A club source said Pucetas "tweaked his knee" but "should be fine." The team will monitor Pucetas' knee for swelling or any complications and see if he will be ready for his next start. He will have extra time off to recover because the team will be into their All-Star break July 10, and they do not have a game scheduled that day.

It is also unknown if this injury will affect Pucetas' status for playing in the Eastern League All-Star Game.

Pucetas has made six starts since June 3 and had been 6-3 with a 3.24 ERA overall in 20 games prior to Thursday's game.

Danny Rosenbaum, Hector Nelo and Pucetas were the three Senators pitchers invited to play in the Double-A Eastern League All-Star Game on July 11 in Reading, Pa.